This monumental novel comes to life in one of the greatest musicals of all time. It’s the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his journey for redemption. On that road, he encounters the never-wavering love of a mother, the innocence of a child, the steely determination of a hunter and the passion of youthful freedom fighters.

David Sedaris is one of America’s preeminent humor writers. Just check out any of his New York Times bestsellers including Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and When You Are Engulfed in Flames – which is just a partial list of his works that have sold over 7 million copies. But there’s nothing like seeing and hearing this one-of-a-kind artist in person share stories, observations, works-in-progress and readings from some of his pieces.

You've seen them…you just might not have known it. They stunned the world at the Academy Awards with their shape-shifting performance behind the screen. They've done numerous car commercials that leave your jaw on the ground. They've been on Conan, Oprah and over 100 other TV shows. They’re the dance group that defies gravity, taxes muscles beyond conceivable limits and adds an element of unforgettable beauty through dancing. All of this from a group whose name means “a phototropic fungus that thrives in farmyards.” Seeing is believing. See Pilobolus.

Famously fun times! This historic, amateur canoe/kayak race is for paddlers of all ages and abilities, featuring 11 canoe divisions, 8 kayak divisions and 1 open (non-competitive) division. From the ultra-competitive to young families and newbies just wanting to enjoy a memorable paddling experience – it’s all here!

This is the show that set the standard for all future musicals by incorporating music, lyrics and dance into a well-crafted serious story. It’s also the debut collaboration of one of the most prolific writing teams in American theater history – Rodgers and Hammerstein. Set in the turn of the century Oklahoma Territory, tensions are mounting between the local farmers and cowboys over the use of land. In the midst of it all is the rugged cowboy Curly who’s fallen for the strong-headed farm girl, Laurey. Despite their fiery spirits and at times tumultuous relationship, the two are destined to start a new life together in the soon-to-be state called Oklahoma!

One of the most watched and beloved Holiday movies ever made comes to life in a full-blown musical production on the Paramount stage. It’s the story of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker growing up in middle-America in the 1940s. With Christmas right around the corner, Ralphie has his bespectacled sights set on one thing – a Red Ryder BB Gun. But at every turn, the young daydreamer hears those five words that are the bane of his existence: “you’ll shoot your eye out.”

It’s quite possibly one of the greatest love stories ever to be told in a musical. Set in the blue-collar neighborhood of New York’s Upper West Side, racial tensions run high as residents try to grind out a daily living. A turf war is being fought as the Jets, a white gang, and the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, battle over boundaries. In the heart of the turmoil, former Jets member Tony meets Maria at a local dance. The chemistry is instantaneous, and for a few hours, there is no race, no hatred, no barriers, just two young people in love. But Maria is the sister of Sharks’ leader Bernardo, and no one is going to make it easy for Tony and Maria to escape.

Come out for the opening of "Gallery Night" and enjoy free drinks, appetizers and good times. Enjoy relaxing beach scenes masterfully crafted with colored pencil by students of Andria Burchett from Beech Tree Studio in Geneva. If you can't make it for the opening event, the artwork will be on display through April 29th during regular business hours.

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at the Barrington Art Festival. The festival offers the work of 125 juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, watercolors and wood. Live music, great food and fun activities for kids make the Barrington Art Festival a perfect family experience!

The Windmill City Festival has long been a staple of the community and has become a tradition for many families. Come participate in the festivities that every family member is sure to enjoy. Hours: Thurs. at 6 p.m., Fri. at 12 p.m., Sat. at 8 a.m., and Sun. at 11 a.m.

There have been many imitators, but there is only one duo in North America sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi to don the official hat and sunglasses and walk in the legendary footsteps of Jake and Elwood Blues. Discovered in Las Vegas, performers Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty capture the infectious humor and unbridled spirit of the Blues Brothers like no one since John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd walked the stage. Backed by a powerhouse band, they'll give you a show to remember, packed with classic hits from the Blues Brothers catalog, including Soul Man, Rubber Biscuit, Sweet Home Chicago, and more. For a night of laughter, dancing, and foot-stompin' fun, get your tickets for the Official Blues Brothers Revue today at Fermilab's Ramsey Auditorium.

Head to the Depot District for the 9th Annual Cruise Nites presented by Berwyn Kia, Paisans Pizzeria & Bar, Mike & Sons Auto Services, Cicero Auto Parts, Deece Automotive! Cruise Nites take place on Tuesdays from 6-9pm in the Depot District at Windsor & Grove Avenues steps away from the Berwyn Metra Station. Enjoy your summe evenings while taking a stroll through a combination of car show and nightlife.

Head to the Depot District on Tuesday, August 6th for a combination of car show and nightlife. Evening begins at 6pm in the Depot District at Windsor & Grove Avenues steps away from the Berwyn Metra Station.

Come down to the Depot District and enjoy Cruise Nites with other families, residents and car enthusiasts. Learn more about Berwyn's proud classic car culture and historical automotive heritage. Cruise Nites are free! Just show up and have a great time!

Grab your putter and 3 friends and tour the Depot District's repertoire of taverns and restaurants at the 11th Annual Depot District Mini-Golf Pub Crawl! Each venue will display a handmade mini-golf green to challenge the event's spirited crowd! The event will tour Berwyn's Depot District and takes place rain or shine! A free heated trolley will be available. Sign-in from 11 am to Noon at Connie's Family Restaurant with Tee off at Noon from our participating venues. Join us at the "19th Hole" after-party with food, beginning at 6 pm at Perception Lounge. And don't forget about the prizes! Prizes will be awarded for team's with the lowest - and highest - scores, and the Twisted Putter Trophy will be awarded to the venue voted as having the best designed hole.

Join us in the global celebration of Mexican culture! The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a food and bar crawl that will feature live entertainment, food and libations and fun for the 21+ crowd. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at event headquarters at La Quinta de Los Reyes Restaurant. Participation in the crawl is $15 pre-sale and for BDC members. Registration at the door will be $20 for non-BDC members. Wrist bands include admission to the crawl, free trolley between venues, one drink ticket, $3 beer at participating venues, drink specials, commemorative 12 oz mug to the first 150 registrants and catered buffet and entertainment beginning at 7:30 p.m. at La Quinta de los Reyes. The crawl will tour Berwyn's Cermak Road and takes place rain or shine! This event is brought to you by the Cermak Road Special Events Commission of the Berwyn Development Corporation.

Be part of the Depot District's tradition at the 5th Annual Music in the Street event on July 18th. The festival will feature live local bands, food and vendors. Admission is free, open to all-ages, and dog-friendly.

One person's junk transforms into another's treasure at the annual Depot District Clean Sweep Garage Sale. Browse 5 stories of good finds and leave knowing that you've lived the spirit of the word "recycle." Future generations will thank you for this shopping trip. Free electronic recycling will be available via a "donation" to Seguin Services. Bounce Sports will be offering free use of their batting cages from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those that attend the sale! The event will take place in Berwyn's Depot District in the Municipal Parking Facility between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 7th.